Lilly Demands Budget to Protect Working Families

CHICAGO – State Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, issued the following statement on Wednesday following Gov. Rauner’s State of the State Address:

“Illinois has gone without a budget for far too long. This is unacceptable and we must work together must be to ensure that we provide relief to Illinois families that have suffered as a result of this impasse. Passing a budget continues to be a top priority of mine. As the new General Assembly convenes, we have a plan that many of my colleagues support to move Illinois forward. This plan consists of business reforms while uplifting the middle-class.

“As a former non-profit executive, I agree with the Governor regarding the business climate in Illinois. It is imperative that we take steps to make Illinois more competitive. However, this should not come at the expense of middle-class families. Instead of cutting wages and taking away their rights as employees, we should gear our focus on helping businesses. We can explore this by cutting the corporate income tax by at least 50 percent, which can lead to fairer business practices for small and medium sized businesses. Additionally, we should reinstate the EDGE tax credit program for businesses that create jobs in Illinois and eliminate tax incentives for businesses that ship jobs overseas, which I supported this month.

“Above all, we must focus our efforts to maintain Illinois’ middle-class. This means that we should increase the Earned Income Tax Credit and raise the minimum wage.  Doing so will help our families keep more of what they earn. When our children are not afforded the education that they deserve, Illinois suffers. We must fairly, properly, and fully fund our education system in Illinois; Education should be our number one priority.

“It is my priority as your state representative to fight for middle-class families, as well as ensuring that important services are provided.”